Chris Burn

Hip-hop legends De La Soul are to replace Wu-Tang Clan as Tramlines headliners on Sunday night, it has been announced.

Wu-Tang Clan shocked organisers by pulling out of the festival yesterday, with no explanation given.

But De La Soul, whose hits include Me, Myself and I and The Magic Number, have been announced as their last-minute replacements and will perform in their place on the Main Stage on Ponderosa on Sunday night.

Festival organisers said they were ‘over the moon’ at the replacement.

De La Soul at Y Not Festival last year

The group are also replacing Wu-Tang Clan at the Nozstock festival in Herefordshire this weekend as a result of Wu-Tang Clan pulling out of all their European tour dates.

Also joining them on the bill is hip-hop duo Mobb Deep.

A spokesman for Tramlines said: “As we announced yesterday, we were very disappointed to get word from Wu Tang Clan’s management that they had cancelled all of their remaining European tour dates, and would no longer be performing at Tramlines.

“We got straight to work arranging a replacement, and are delighted to say that we’ve got not one, but two, true hip-hop legends stepping in to replace the band.

“First up will be Mobb Deep, the critically-adored and highly influential East Coast hardcore hip-hop duo responsible for the likes of “Shook Ones, Pt. 2” and “Survival Of The Fittest”.

“Then, it’s over to De La Soul, who will bring hits like “Me Myself and I” and “The Magic Number” to the stage.

“Widely regarded as the future of hip-hop on the release of their debut album 3 Feet High And Rising, the band have maintained an incredible following, and put on an amazing live show.

“Suffice to say, we’re gutted that Wu Tang won’t get to experience the amazing and unique atmosphere that makes Tramlines what it is, but are over the moon to be able to welcome two absolutely incredible acts in their place.”